06 April 2023
The Challenge
One of the main challenges of including washroom products in an architect’s budget is the initial cost of these products. Washroom products such as toilets, taps, hand dryers, soap dispensers, and other fixtures can be expensive, especially if high quality or specialised products are required.
This cost can be a significant consideration for architects and building owners who are working within a tight budget.
But architects also want to be able to save their clients’ money in running costs and maintenance costs after project handover.
The Challenge
Meeting regulations for a washroom can be complex, requiring considerations such as accessibility, acoustics, ventilation, washroom products, and the washroom layout.
Some important British Standards include, BS 6465-2:2017 which provides guidance on the installation of sanitary facilities and space recommendations to minimise the risk of infection and promote good hygiene practices, and BS 8300-2:2018 provides guidance on designing buildings and facilities that are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities.
The Challenge
Commercial washroom design requires careful planning to ensure that the washroom can handle high traffic volumes and that essential fixtures, such as basins, taps, toilets, and urinals, can be installed in a way that maximises space efficiency while still complying with building codes and accessibility requirements.
The Challenge
Matching special finishes from different washroom companies can be challenging for several reasons, such as inconsistencies in colour shades, variations in finish quality, manufacturing processes, and availability as some special finishes may only be available from certain manufacturers.
Different washroom companies may offer finishes with the same name, for example, brushed stainless steel, or mirror polish stainless steel. Still, the quality and appearance of the finishes can vary between manufacturers.
The same applies to choosing RAL colours. Although RAL colours have specific codes in the colour palette, RAL colours may also vary between washroom companies depending on the percentage of gloss applied.
This can result in finishes that look slightly different when placed side by side, making it difficult to create a cohesive design when using washroom products from two or more different suppliers.
The Challenge
It is highly likely that your goal is to achieve BREEAM Excellent, and even possibly Outstanding, for your project. However, this can be a challenging and costly endeavor when it comes to design and fabrication and tenants or landlords would expect nothing less.
Having a building that meets the BREEAM Excellent rating, as well as other certifications like NABERS UK, makes it more attractive to tenants who wish to be environmentally responsible. Sustainable buildings are also more cost-effective to operate due to water and energy saving.
The Challenge
Although the below examples represent only a few of the last minute challenges that may arise, they are nonetheless significant details that require careful attention. This is because they are fundamental components of commercial washroom design.
- Forgetting about access to behind the taps when specifying wall mounted taps.
- Not knowing or checking whether a specified washbasin from one supplier and a tap from another will work together and function properly. For example, it may not become apparent until the washroom products arrive on site that the tap length is longer than the basin.
- Overlooking the IPS panel for the cistern frame and flush plate.
- Forgetting to specify the location of soap, soap feed, and soap reservoir.
- Designing fixed mirror boxes without access for the behind mirror accessories.
The Challenge
The WELL certification process is rigorous and requires a lot of documentation and data collection. This can be time consuming and may require hiring specialised consultants or professionals to help with the certification process.
To maintain a WELL certification, ongoing commissioning and monitoring are required to ensure that the building continues to meet the WELL Standards which can add to the ongoing expenses of the development.
The Challenge
The market is currently flooded with cheap and poorly made washroom products, which may appear similar to prestige products but are of inferior quality and made from substandard materials.
Low quality washroom products can lead to rapid breakdowns. Even if spare parts are available to fix the issue, some suppliers may insist on replacing the whole product which inflates the client’s costs and causes unnecessary inconvenience and delay.
The Challenge
Architects and contractors face a number of challenges when it comes to meeting deadlines, including the complexity of the washroom design process, unforeseen site conditions, changes in project scope, and delayed deliveries.
Missing the Stage 4 deadline can cause significant delays and impact the overall timeline of the project. Incorrect or incomplete information can also have a detrimental effect, causing contractors to price the project incorrectly and leading to unforeseen expenses.
Confusion can also arise when revisions are made, and details are missed, further delaying the project, and potentially increasing costs.
The Challenge
Commercial washrooms experience high foot traffic and water usage, making them significant contributors to the overall environmental impact of a building. Therefore, designers need to carefully plan their washroom projects to ensure that the washroom products and features are sustainable and minimize negative environmental impacts.
